Anyone fasting to boost chemo effectiveness & to reduce SE?
Comments
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Marije - I did the same as Chava. Took post meds once and never again. Never got sick. I didn't get Neulasta, but did get Neupogen with no problems.
Chava - I'll look for alternates. I've tried to eat avocadoes over multiple days, but would prefer something else. I will try a 5-day water fast to start once I'm done with chemo, but will keep FMD in mind.
KBeee - Glad to see fasting during chemo worked for you. Like Chava, I plan to continue fasting when done with active treatment.
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Hi ladies,
Well, about 3 hours after chemo, I started to feel pretty shit. Lethargic to start with, and exhousted, so I took myself off to bed. But I have not slept all night, feeling very sick. Vomited a few times (with hardly anything coming ofcourse). And feeling very hot, then very shivery.. I must admit I'm a bit dissapointed as I really hoped the fasting would have reduced the side effects.. I still havent eaten anything, but am tempted to have the steroids with a bit of banana or something, as my tummy is already so upset.. Good or bad idea?
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Marije - Oh, no! I hope you're feeling better now. I took decadron on an empty stomach, but I never had been feeling sick. I would recommend homemade jello or some broth to help your gut heal. After a fast, you need to replenish your minerals. A tablespoon of unsulphered blackstrap molasses is a quick way to do that.
Hope you feel better soon.
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Thanks Serenety,
I'll look into that. I have just broken my fast with some homemade chicken soup, a piece of bread and a banana. Feeling a bit better, but not 100%.
I am doubting whether I can do the fast next time, as I'm not sure if it made me feel worse. Initially I was absolutely fine, but last night and this morning my tummy was just so upset, and I wasnt sure if it was also just a bit hungry :-)
Anyway, I've ordered some books on fasting as well, so going to educate myself a bit more.
Xxx
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Was this your first time fasting? I was able to practice a 3-day fast before chemo started, but even then, I could easily fast for a day. Once I started avoiding grains, I could go longer without food. I was able to ease into fasting, but it took time.
I don't bring up fasting unless someone is already interested because it does take some commitment. The transition can be uncomfortable.
You don't have to decide now what you'll do next time. Just focus on recovering. Even now with my weekly chemo, I decide when I want to start fasting based on how I feel shortly before.
I hope you feel better soon.
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Actually, yes, it was my first time fasting for 3.5 days. I have done the 5:2 diet before, and was fine on it. But never so long without food completely, so maybe it was a bit of a rushed thing!
I wonder if the restricted diet around chemo days could be the answer..
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Look into the fast mimicking diet maybe having that food in you would help. Have a complete and speedy recovery
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Thanks Chava, will do
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